How much does an athlete need to give up to become a legend of his sport? It depends on the point of view. At least, in the opinion of the Carlos Alcaraz phenomenon, when he escaped the professional tennis circuit to find friends in Ibiza, island in Spain famous for the beaches and, especially, for the parties.
In the documentary series that debuted on Netflix: “Carlos Alcaraz: My way,” the Spanish wants to show that you can have a successful career and have fun. Even if “enjoy”, in the parameters of a professional athlete, be to the luxury of eating pizza after winning Roland Garros and taking a few days off between one tournament and another.
(Attention, the text has light spoilers). Cameras accompany the tennis player in the 2024 season in competitions, at the family home and with childhood friends. In this very high -level sport, where an athlete’s entourage decides everything for them – who eat, how they train and what they do in leisure times, he reveals that he wants a little of control of his own life. And in a lonely sport like tennis, you don’t like to be alone.
This is where discussions come up with Juan Carlos Ferrero, former professional tennis player and his coach. Ferrero argues that “to be the best in history, you have to be a slave; otherwise you need to accept that it will not be your best version.” Already alcaoz, while “sitting on the same table as ‘Big 3’ in terms of titles,” referring to Roger Federer (20 Grand Slams), Rafael Nadal (22) and Novak Djokovic (24), admits the mental tiredness that so much dedication brings, and does not know if he is ready to pay the price.
It surprised me the fact that he and his team have chosen to show this side – it is obvious that they have editorial control and this is an edited part of their life. Why Alcaraz wanted or at least didn’t mind showing this clipping – the young man who goes to the nightclubs for days in a row and doubt his own commitment – you can’t know. Athletes hardly show vulnerability, not to give ammunition to opponents.
Perhaps we are seeing a change in perspective of a new generation of athletes who, when they suffer extreme pressure for being catapulted to the stardom, are not afraid to show what for many is fragility.
Alcaraz was born in a village of 25 thousand inhabitants in Spain, began playing tennis at 4 years, left the home of parents at 12, became a professional at 15. At 19, was the youngest tennis player in the world’s number 1. It has won 18 titles, four Grand Slams. Today, about to turn 22, is the 3rd of the ranking.
He criticizes the inevitable comparisons with Nadal (which appears in some excerpts) and that being called the “heir of the throne” is unnecessary. Also, just make a simple account to see how ‘Big 3’ members are from another planet. Winning 20 Grand Slams requires winning at least two a year for ten years. Winning is no problem, staying at the top is the difficult.
What will be the tennis without all three? Will anyone reach them? Is it even possible? When he wanted to get away from Nadal’s successor label and take his career “his way,” Alcaraz surprises and, depending on how you face the content of the series, leaves these questions in the air.
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